49ers' Ahmad Brooks fined $15,750 for hit on Saints' Drew Brees

SANTA CLARA -- Linebacker Ahmad Brooks first drew the controversial penalty, and as a result, the 49ers linebacker has drawn a $15,750 fine from the NFL for that hit Sunday on Saints quarterback Drew Brees, a league source confirmed.

Brooks' amount falls in line with that for a first-offense, roughing-the-passer penalty, according to the league's fine schedule.

But it's the second time this season Brooks has been fined for a hit on a quarterback, the other resulting in a $12,750 fine for his late hit on the Packers' Aaron Rodgers in the season opener. That, also, is the amount for a first-offense, late-hit violation.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) is sacked by San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013. ((AP Photo/Dave Martin))

Officials, and a subsequent review by the NFL, ruled that Brooks' right arm illegally struck Brees in the neck area on a fourth-quarter, fumble-forcing sack. The penalty allowed the host Saints to retain possession, advance 15 yards for an eventual tying field goal before later prevailing 23-20.

Of the $16,000 fine, Brooks might not even have to pay much of it, assuming ESPN analysts Ray Lewis and Tedy Bruschi live up to their on-air vows to help fund it. Lewis offered to pay half it, Bruschi a third.

Brooks is making $2.7 million in base salary this season as part of a six-year, $44.5 million deal he signed in February 2012. He was fined $15,000 in December 2011 for a roughing-the-passer penalty against the St. Louis Rams.

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This past summer, then-teammate Lamar Divens accused Brooks of hitting him in the head with a beer bottle after Divens allegedly drove Brooks and two other players back to Brooks' house after a night on the town. Brooks was not arrested and Santa Clara County prosecutors did not pursue charges.